Later that night, after everyone's shopping is finished, Ren is standing before a pair of large double doors wearing a dashing tux, if they were able to recreate tuxes, why couldn't the recreate underwear? I'm not saying I'm against whatever they have build into the clothes of this world, it's just that it still feels weird without them. I mean, showing them what underwear is would be the logical thing to do if you show them clothes from our world past heroes. It doesn't make sense. Either the people of this world didn't take to underwear, or it was intentionally kept from them? Was the person who showed them these types of clothes a commando enthusiast? ...that also feels wrong. Hm...oh, the past heroes might not have been from the same world as me, so other worlds also don't wear underwear? ...I feel like this is a rabbit hole that's just going to confuse me more and more if I go down it. This is going to the back of my mind where I'll never think about it again
The maids watch Ren as he internally debates something, the faces he's making intriguing them. They find his actions peculiar, but not out of the ordinary for an event such as this, anyone would be nervous in this situation. The bustling chatting on the other side of the door shows that the event is well underway, and since it's time, the maids take it upon themselves to open the double doors without waiting to see if Ren is ready or not.
Ren is of course frozen stiff upon realising that he quickly became the centre of attention. The room fell dead silent as all eyes focused in on him the second the doors opened, making him extremely uncomfortable. The maids were about to announce his arrival, but people immediately start coming up to him and introducing themselves before they can do so, so they decide that it's not needed and to just leave things be. There's now way they could hold back the crowd with reinforcements.
Ren endlessly shakes hand after hand, why are they all coming to greet me? I can't even remember a single person's name like this! The Japanese in me is crying in pain. I'm sorry, it's just so overwhelming. And I don't see the point as to why they're doing this. I mean, I know I won a tournament, but this is too much for just that! I hope I look ok, all the maids were whispering as I walked by them on the way here. I can't help but feel like they were thinking that I'm not worthy of their Queen. I don't feel like that was the case, but it's hard to imagine anything else.
Even those who aren't joining the crowd around Ren direct their gaze towards him, some observing how he handles the situation. Some look restless, unable to approach him despite wanting to, while others look upon him with understanding and sympathy, deciding to not cause anymore trouble for him. Ren bares with the countless handshakes until a guard blows a trumpet, quieting the busting ballroom, "Ladies and gentlemen, Queen Elza has arrived".
The main double doors open once again, Ren no longer in front of them due to the crowd moving like a slow whirlpool around the room. Elza walks through the door while being closely followed by a maid, one who's beauty is comparable with Elza. The maid's features a little softer than Elza's, and her eyes are almond, but their pairing seems completely natural. Not a pairing of a maid and her mistress, but something deeper. The maid is calm and collected, and her appearance is impeccable, the picture of professionalism. The two seem similar in age, but it's hard to tell what age they are in human years. The only certainty is that they are both young. Elza is wearing an elegant red open-backed dress with red stilettos to match it, giving her a completely different atmosphere from the purple she was wearing earlier.
Everyone in the room isn't able to do anything but stare in awe at her mature beauty that contrasts her age, even Ren. Despite her youth, the aura she has isn't anything one would expect from someone of her age. Shortly afterward Elza entered the ballroom, Liza in a yellow dress and Lorilay in a green dress enter. Their beauty, plus Elza's, leaves the room completely breathless. Ren can't help but marvel at them internally, they make dying...worth it.
Elza locks eyes with Ren, giving him a sweet, but also seductive, smile. Elza calls out to the other two and they all head over to Ren, no one daring to block their way or even surround them like they did with Ren. Elza stops before him and looks him up and down, appreciating what she sees, "quite dashing. It suits you quite well, dear. Sebastian did a good job picking that out...as much as I hate praising him".
Ren is still so dazed from the three beauties before him that he lets his thoughts leak, "each of you are so breathtakingly beautiful that I thought I was going to completely stop breathing for a second". Liza and Lorilay blush before smiling at each other while Elza whispers in Ren's ear, "then you better brace yourself for later if that's all it takes to make you lose your breath". She gives his ear a small blow of air before pulling away.
Her words and actions have Ren frozen to the spot, his brain trying to process what he's never experienced before as the shiver travels down his spine. Elza give a low chuckle at his reaction, her smirk widening at how easy it was to cause such a reaction. The second he regains his composure, Liza's words from when they met Lorilay flash through his mind, they must have discussed it and given their consent, which means we're going to do it later...I'm going to do it later...with the Dark Elf Queen...Oh! My! God!!!Can this world get any better? I feel like a player for thinking that...but they're just that pretty.
Elza loves the effect she had on him, "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a lot of people to greet". Ren, "I've had so many people greet me that I can't even put a single name to a face, they're all just a blur". Elza, "they probably wanted to get acquainted with you as early as they could so they could get into your pants as soon as possible. Imagine if all the influential people from outside the Capital were here. You'd be in a sea of women right now".
Ren pales at the thought, causing Elza to snicker briefly, "We'll have a dance after I finish my greetings, so be sure to dance with these two before then", gesturing to Liza and Lorilay as she walks off. Ren, sighs at her suggestion, "as I thought, I'm going to have to dance". Liza gets closer to him now that Elza's moved away, hand-in-hand with Lorilay, "do you know how to dance?".
Ren, "my mother made me take lessons when I was younger, saying that my future wife would appreciate it. She made me learn a lot on that premise, like horse riding as a date possibility. I just hope what I learned applies to this world like horse riding did". Liza extends her hand, adorned with a long finger loop glove, "then, could I have the honour of your first dance in this world?". Ren takes her by the hand and leads her to the dance floor, "of course, milady". Liza, "don't ever call me that", reminds me of back home. Ren, "got it", so she doesn't like to be called a lady, but she didn't say she isn't a lady. Lorilay watches them walk onto the dancefloor, seemingly perfectly content in being next. She sways slightly on the spot, excited to watch them.
As they're dancing, Ren addresses a concern he's been having, "are you ok? You've been acting a bit weird the last few days". Liza forces a smile, "you noticed. I've had some concerns, lamenting over others. It makes me happy that you are worried about me, but I promised the other two that'd we'd talk about this tomorrow. Is during dinner ok? We can also discuss what we should do after we leave here". Ren, "ok, dinner it is. I assume I can still compliment you? You look good with your hair down. The soft waves suits you". Liza, "you assume correct. Lorilay did it. She's pretty good with hair". Ren, "now that I think about it, it would be nice to have someone who knows how to deal with hair on long journeys". Liza, "trust me...it's needed", so I don't get yelled at anymore.
Ren and Liza finish dancing with no problems, causing Ren to breath a sigh of relief as they exit the dancefloor. Liza can't help but smile, he had the leeway to talk while dancing. He should be more confident. He's a much better catch that he think he is...than I thought he was. I couldn't be happier with him. Lorilay was happily watching them, but also anxiously waiting for her turn. Her slight swaying shifted to fidgeting side to side on the spot. Ren can't help but be charmed from her cute fidgeting. Once Liza separates from him, he extends his hand to Lorilay, "may I have this next dance, milady?".
Lorilay eagerly takes his hand with a smile, "you may, good sir". They enter the dancefloor, where they also make small talk. Ren notices a change in Lorilay's demeanour from before, "anything happen? You seem…refreshed?". Lorilay is as light as she can be on her feet, "you can tell? The girls and I had a talk about some things, and I was able to get some stuff off my chest. It made me like Elza immediately, and Liza even more".
Ren, "I'm glad you guys are able to get along. I hope your relationship gets better in the future", I'd don't know what I'd do if they didn't get along. Lorilay smiles once more, "I don't think you'll have to worry about that. We'll be the best of sister wives we can be". Ren is a bit troubled by her remark, "dropping a marriage hint so suddenly, you waste no time". Lorilay starts giggling, it may not be officially recognised, but we're already bound. That's basically the human equivalent to marriage, Ren. In fact, it's far more than just marriage...but I'd like to keep this a secret a little longer. It's surprisingly fun. Ren is a bit unsettled by her lack of an answer despite the happiness radiating off her, "I don't think I said anything funny".
Lorilay, you'll be in for a surprise once you find out. There's no point in telling you about us not being officially recognised unless we go to my homeland, but you do deserve to know...eventually. You'll probably be as equally surprised as how the Dark Elves way of doing it, "it's nothing, I just realised you really don't know. I'm looking forward to finding out how you react". Ren can't stop the confusion from showing on his face, and he doesn't know how to proceed with the conversation from there. Luckily, the music stops not long after, so they head back to Liza and chat for a little before an announcement is made. Announcer, "ladies and gentlemen, it's finally that time of the night! It's time for what you all have been eagerly waiting for...the couple's ceremonial dance!".
As soon as the announcer uttered the words, the dance floor empties at lightning speed. Everyone crowds around the dancefloor to eagerly watch as Elza walks to the centre of the dance floor. Ren awkwardly looks over the crowd before quickly deciding to follow after her. As he's walking to Elza, he can't stop the anxiety from washing over him, since he's announcing it, that means it must be standard procedure...tradition...standard something. This 'ceremonial dance' better not be anything extravagant or I'm screwed! I can only follow Elza's lead sinceI can't refuse and risk ruining a tradition...or something. It could also embarrass or insult Elza, and that's not an option.
Elza bows elegantly as she stands opposite Ren in the middle of the dancefloor, and Ren follows suit despite his internal panic increasing every second. Judging by the crowd's reaction, it doesn't seem like he messed up so far, which is a small solace to him. Elza gives Ren a look, conveying something with her eyes. In response Ren snakingly holds out his hand, requesting a dance, why didn't anyone tell me what to do???What's the point in letting me fend for myself???
Elza smiles and takes his hand, causing Ren to breathe a sigh of relief at guessing right. Elza nuzzles up close to him, practically sticking her soft body to him like glue. This causes the crowd to clap in awe, further confusing Ren. Elza's heat is spreading into him from how close they are. If they weren't surrounded by a crowd, Ren doesn't know how his body would react. This luckily cools his head...and whatnot.
They begin dancing, Ren desperately trying to follow Elza's lead as it's a much more intense dance than he did with Liza or Lorilay, I only practiced slow dances a few years ago, never one this intense! I can barely keep up...no, I'm not keeping up, she's leading me. I'm grateful she's able to do that, but it does sting a little. The onlookers watch on, not captivated, but still in awe. Rather than elegant, the dance displays a fiery passion that makes people unable to take their eyes away. Despite the display, having been the only ones to notice Ren's struggle, Liza and Lorilay are snickering to themselves. It's not that the dance is bad, it's just that they can tell how desperate Ren is to keep up despite his cool appearance.
The music intensified, and intensified, and intensified until finally...the dance reaches its climax with its very last note. The two give a big finish with an intimate pose, and the crowd starts clapping enthusiastically for such a great dance display. Elza feels the sounds beating against her eardrum, "I suppose I can give you a passing mark". However, Ren is too overwhelmed to hear what she said, his breathing laboured.
As the crowd claps, it parts to make way for them to head to the room's big double doors that they entered through earlier. Elza, who's breath isn't even laboured, takes Ren by the hand and starts to lead him towards the doors. Ren just goes with the flow as he tries not to heave, I have absolutely no idea what's happening, but it doesn't look like I messed up. That's a relief. I really wish I was informed beforehand though...and not dancing twice before the main one. The mental and physical stress!
Liza and Lorilay are still giggling to themselves from seeing Ren trying to hold himself together. Lorilay, "he really has no idea what's happening". Liza, "He's adorable. I'm looking forward to his reaction when he finds out...wait, we're not going to see it". Lorilay, "we will if she doesn't tell him, which is highly likely". Liza, "then I guess it's up to luck".
The two stop laughing, a feeling of dread now taking over them. Lorilay, "now that I've said it out loud...". Liza, "you realise that it would be funny if it was anyone else". Lorilay, "because they should know better, but Ren isn't from our world". Liza, "we intentionally let him go into this blind...". Lorilay, "...". Liza, "let's hope it turns out for the best". Lorilay, "but be willing to accept the fallout of our action". The two share a quick glance before hanging their heads.
Once Ren and Elza pass through the doors, the doors close behind them, and the ball resumes like normal. The second Ren's out of the public eye, he lets out a massive sigh of relief before quickly trying to calm his beating heart, "I'm glad I made it through without screwing anything up". He also needs to steady his breathing from the dancing. Elza can't help but smile to herself upon easily seeing through his false bravado, "you danced pretty well. I'm glad we were able get through it properly. Now that the first half is out of the way, it's time to finish the rest of the ceremony".
Ren almost collapses to his keens, managing to keep himself upright by placing one of his hands on the wall to support himself, "there's still more?". Elza's smile doesn't falter as she unties her dress at the neck, "it's the most important part". This allows the dress's upper half to fall and hang at her hips, which are just wide enough for the dress to catch on and not fall to the floor without tugging it down. This, of course, exposes her bare breasts to the open air. Ren freezes at the sight, not able to say anything at the beautiful, gravity defying darkened mounds before him.
Elza gives him a teasing smirk on before she turns and starts to walk off, he's hooked. After a few steps, she stops and turns her head back towards him after noticing he isn't following her. He was just unable to keep his eyes off her as he stood their frozen, mouth agape. Elza beckons him to follow her with her index finger, her smirk able to bewitch any man, c'mon, I can't wait much longer. I'm doing my best to not jump you right now in this hallway because I'd prefer a bed for my first time. Don't make me wait longer than I need to. Ren starts walking in the same direction as her on instinct, his mind seeming absent. It's as if everything she's doing is putting him into a trance.
Ren's trance is soon interrupted by the multiple pairs of footsteps following him as he follows Elza. He turns his head and sees three maids following behind him. He jumps in surprise, "how long have you guys been there?". Maid A, the one who entered the ballroom with Elza, "since the start. These two are the ones who closed the doors", as she gestures to her colleagues, who gives waves in return. Ren, "the start? So...did you see?". Maid B, "you mean her majesty's perfect tits? Of course", giving him a thumbs up. Maid C, "they were immaculate", as she gropes the air, as in Elza's breasts were in front of her.
Ren, they saw! But...Elza must have know they were there. They are her subordinates, so maybe she didn't mind...thinking about this won't get me anywhere...and how long do they plan to follow me? Maid A seems to pick up on the meaning of Ren glancing repeatedly between the three of them, "don't worry. We will just close the double doors ahead and you can get down and dirty with no interruptions".
Maid C, "her majesty looks very excited". Maid B, "I'm so jealous. I want her Majesty would call upon me at night. I wish I could have danced with her instead". Maid C, "nobody has a chance with her...had". Maid A, "but it was a fine dance. Being able to keep up with a Dark Elf dancing like that as a human is impressive for your kind. I'm glad you got through it with no problems". Ren, "em...thanks?", what's up with these three? They're very...weird. And what's up with the Elf? I mean, is it ok for an Elf to serve the Dark Elf Queen? Not that I'm one to judge or anything. Just curious.
While this is going on, in another part of the palace, an individual is rummaging through a desk in the dark. The woman, a Dark Elf, is dressed in ballroom attire while desperately searching for something. After going through multiple drawers, she finds a piece of paper. She lips curl into a nasty smirk once she finally has what was looking for in her hands. She folds it up and places it into her cleavage before heading to the door she came through. As soon as she opens it and steps out into the hallway, she finds her vision filled with nothing but red before losing consciousness.
The woman is now slumped against the desk, having been launched tumbling to the other side to the room. Her face is now broken and bloodied, as well as missing her front teeth. Back in the doorway, a leg is suspended in the air. The foot of said leg is wearing a blood-red stiletto, which makes it hard to distinguish from the blood that's now dripping off of it. The owner of the leg lowers it before she enters the room, revealing that she's a maid. She looks irritated as she approaches the woman, who's face she caved in from her attack, "for fuck sake, we're facing Demons at the frontlines, so why do we have to worry about getting stabbed by our backlines?".
Maid D waste no time in shoving her hand into the woman's cleavage, taking out the piece of paper before putting it into her own, "it's obvious that you people would use this rare chance to enter the palace and try something". Maid D grabs the unconscious intruder by the hair and starts dragging her out of the room and down the hallway, leaving a trail of blood along the way, "I really wish you wouldn't pull this shit when we're so short staffed. Now I have to create an incident report for this sorry ass attempt at an infiltration. I know it was probably short notice, but why risk your life if this is all you can manage?". Maid D can't help her face scrunching in irritation as the sounds of dragging echo down the hallway.
Back with Ren, him and the three maids arrive at the double doors where Elza is waiting with her back to one of the frames. Ren can't help his male instincts from driving his thoughts, damn she's hot! Elza, as cool as can be despite her breasts on display for all four of them, "it seems I was a bit excited and walked too fast. I hope those three kept their ramblings to a minimum", I sure as hell better not find out that you three distracted him on purpose, as she directs her gaze at Maid A in particular.
Maid A meets her gaze without any worry, we were just walking and doing our jobs, so calm down you virgin pervert. Elza doesn't let her irritation at Maid A show, shut it. You know damn well how long I've waited for this. If you're purposefully getting in the way, I'll make you regret it! Maid A just rolls her eyes, Elza barely containing her anger at the disrespect. Ren is completely oblivious to the two's unspoken conversation, his attention solely focused at not staring at Elza's breasts too much, "they're certainty unique individuals". Elza, as she separates herself from the doorframe and walks towards the stairs in the middle of the room, "that they are. But it's our day, so let's focus on that".
Ren follows after her, his legs moving before his mind can make the decision. Maids B and C close the door over like maid A said they would once Ren passes through. Ren can't take his eyes off Elza as her hips sway side to side while walking up the stairs, her slender back like that of a finely sculpted piece of art. Elza suddenly stops halfway up the stairs and looks back at Ren with a smirk before she shimmies out of the rest if her dress, allowing it to fully fall to the floor.
Ren is unable to speak a word at the breath-taking sight before him as she steps out of the dress and continues walking up the stairs, her stilettos clicking on each step. If that wasn't enough, as she gets closer to the doors at the top, she removes her stilettos and earrings one by one until she has nothing left to take off. She passes through the doors and closes them, but leaves one slightly ajar. She puts her hand through it and beckons him with her finger one final time. Ren can't stop himself from running up the stairs two steps at the time to get to the room.
Some time passes from the moment Ren Enter Elza's bedroom, and the three maids from earlier walk into the room with the stairs leading to Elza's bedroom. They peaked into the room through the door they purposely left slightly ajar and entered once they knew it was safe to do so.
Maids B and C start picking up Elza's clothes and accessories from the ground. They finish in a flash and quickly start heading down the hallway they came, this time fully closing the door. Maid B is the one to start the conversation now that they don't need to be quiet, "I'm surprised she made it to the room. I thought they were going to go at it in the hallway".
Maid C is dejected, "she was super-hot...if only she swung our way". Maid B, "I prefer girls younger than me, but I'd definitely make an exception for her Majesty". Maid C, "I don't know much about men, but I was thinking about having a kid. Maybe I can ask her Majesty if I could have his child". Maid B, "I'd be up for that as well. If he's good enough for her Majesty, he's certainly good enough to be the father of my child. How was he for you, Sphinx?".
Maid A, aka Sphinx, "are you sure you want to ask me that? Shouldn't you think about yourselves first. Asking permission is one thing, but are you two actually prepared to have sex with a man in the first place?". Maid B, "Sphinx, are you seriously saying that? There's no other way for me to give birth to my own child". Maid C, "that's our reality, as unfortunate as that is. We have no other choice than the bare with if want to start a family with blood related children". Maid B, "the adoption market is fierce at the moment".
Sphinx sighs, "Skyla, Bethany, take a word of advice. Strength isn't all that matters when it comes to who you want to father your children". Maid B, aka Skyla (the one with white skin), "oh, are you finally going to open up about your sex life?". Maid C, aka Bethany, "you get so tight lipped about it. We all know that you regret marrying him, but you never gave us the bedroom details".
Sphinx, "just the fact that I regret it should be enough for people". Skyla, "there we go again with the deflecting. How are we meant to make a decision with no information?". Bethany, "not going to talk again? At the very least, do you think we will regret having his child? Someone who's worthy of her Majesty of all people?".
Sphinx gives in, "...no, nobody would regret having someone who can win that piece of work Queen. I'm just saying not to base your decision on strength alone. I settled because I thought nothing better would come along, but that was the worst decision of my life. Given...em, Ren, was it? Given his actions in the arena, he also has a good character, but only time can reveal one's true intention". Skyla, "if he's good enough for her Majesty, them there's no problem". Bethany, "yeah".
Sphinx sighs again, "the problem is that you two are not thinking deeply enough. Don't base your decisions on simple things like if it's good enough for someone else, it's good enough for me. Properly think, research, and decide for yourself after a lot of though. And I mean a lot". Skyla relents, "fine, fine. I'll think about it". Bethany, "well...I guess this doesn't need to be an on-the-spot decision either".
Sphinx, "good. Decisions that will affect your future should be properly thought out. Don't repeat my mistake", I'll observe him...no, I don't have the luxury of that. Despite what I said to these two, he's definitely better than my scumbag husband, so I need him to take me no matter what. The question is how? While working as a maid, my options are very limited…I don't like being a hypocrite, but I have no choice. It would suck if he was worse that my scumbag husband, but I don't think I'll fall for an act this time since he's already got Elza. She'd tell me right away if anything was wrong.